The Greater Manchester Joint Health Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 11 August 2026 to discuss a range of important health-related topics. Key areas of focus included the progress and challenges within maternity, neonatal, and early years services, an update on the use of health and care data across the region, and the perspectives of the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector on health inequalities. The committee also reviewed ongoing service reconfigurations and planned its work programme for the upcoming municipal year.

Maternity, Neonatal and Early Years Services

The committee was scheduled to receive a briefing on maternity, neonatal, and early years services across Greater Manchester. The report highlighted progress in areas such as reducing stillbirth rates and improving midwifery staffing, but also noted continuing challenges including higher than historic maternal mortality rates, below-average breastfeeding rates, and persistent inequalities for vulnerable groups. The report also detailed ongoing transformation efforts, including moving care closer to communities through neighbourhood models and Family Hubs, and a focus on prevention and early intervention. Plans were in place to develop a Maternity Health Inequalities Dashboard to better identify and target areas of need. For early years, the focus was on maturing the integrated system, building better support for families, and reducing pressures through community-led prevention. Future priorities included strengthening partner collaboration on perinatal mental health and exploring the integration of services into neighbourhoods.

Health and Care Data and Intelligence

A key item on the agenda was an update on health and care data and intelligence in Greater Manchester, presented by Matt Hennessey, Chief Data and Analytics Officer, NHS GM. The discussion was expected to cover the GM Care Record, a digital resource consolidating health and care information from across the region's 3 million population, aiming to improve direct care and clinical decision-making. The report indicated a significant increase in the usage of the GM Care Record over the past two years, contributing to projected productivity benefits. The presentation was also likely to touch upon the Electronic Palliative Care Coordination System (EPaCCS) for end-of-life care planning and the broader GM Data Ecosystem, including the Advanced Data Science Platform (ADSP) and the GM Intelligence Hub.

Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise Sector Perspectives on Health Inequalities

Kirit Patel, VCFSE Sector Representative, was scheduled to present the sector's perspectives on health inequalities in Greater Manchester. The report aimed to provide the committee with an overview of key health inequalities affecting communities, drawing on the insight and intelligence of VCFSE organisations. These organisations work directly with residents experiencing disadvantage and are well-placed to identify emerging issues and community-led innovations. The report highlighted poverty, mental health and wellbeing, and access to services as significant challenges, with particular attention to inequalities faced by deprived neighbourhoods, ethnic minority communities, disabled people, and refugees. The VCFSE sector's role in prevention, early intervention, and community innovation was also to be discussed, alongside the ongoing challenges of funding sustainability for these organisations.

NHS Greater Manchester Monthly Service Reconfiguration Progress Report and Forward Look

Claire Connor, Director of People, Communications and Engagement, NHS GM, was to present the monthly service reconfiguration progress report. This report outlined service reconfigurations currently planned or undergoing engagement and consultation across Greater Manchester. Specific projects mentioned included the Specialised Commissioning: Cardiac and Arterial Vascular Surgery pathway, which was undergoing a public consultation to consolidate services at one site. Updates were also expected on the Safe and Sustainable Specialised Services for Babies and Children programme, and the review of plastic surgery services in Wigan. The report also detailed engagement on Swanbourne Gardens in Stockport and the Tameside General Hospital H045 and Corridor Care initiative, which sought patient feedback on ambulance handover and A&E experiences.

Work Programme for the 2026/27 Municipal Year

Councillor Liz FitzGerald, Chair of the committee, was scheduled to present the draft Work Programme for the 2026/27 Municipal Year. Members were asked to confirm items for the next meeting on 15 September 2026, which was expected to include an update on Adult Social Care and CQC assessments. The committee was also to consider items for future meetings, such as a deep dive into adults' and children's mental health, and updates on cancer services and women's health. A list of potential future items was also provided, including topics like palliative care, transplant services, and health inclusion initiatives.